This story was inspired by the book and movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Cedric and Harry develop a somewhat unspoken bond.

Harry and Cedric - Love At Last

The promise of the great ball was looming over everyone in Hogwarts this year, Harry still had no one to attend with, with the confusion of the Tri-Wizard cup, he had overlooked getting a date for the ball and focused solely on the challenge at hand, he had asked three people so far, but everyone had a partner to which they would be attending with. At least he was not alone, his fellow challenger, Cedric Diggory also had no date. Sedrick, a tall slim boy, was a few years older than Harry, Harry didn't like to admit it - but he was somewhat jealous of Cedric, and admired him a great deal… as well as being somewhat attracted to him. Harry found himself in a very awkward situation indeed, but, as always, he would pull through, some how, some way, Harry was an expert in tricky situations, after all. Harry made his way towards Snapes dungeon, his eyes filled with envy of every courting couple he seen on his way, and he passed Cedric on his way, blushing slightly as Cedric pulled him to one side.

"Meet me in the prefect bathroom on the fifth floor, in one hour Harry, this is very important, don't be late!"

Harry asked no questions, and it seemed like he hardly acknowledged Cedric at all, he made his way to his potions class, and took his seat.

"Today's lesson - Transformation Potions" Snape hissed in his most venomous tone

Harry and Ron groaned while Hermionie gleamed with almost joy, Snapes hand made a sudden movement for the back of Harry's head, whacking Ron in the process

"Silence in my class you snivelling brats!" he hissed once more

The lesson almost raced by, almost effortless attempts and even more boring than usual! Harry took his way after Potions class; Ron chased him down the winding corridor

"Where are you going Harry?" Ron demanded

"I'll be back as soon as I can, I've got to do something...it's...to do with the tournament."

Ron returned the path from which he emerged, his head hanging low - however, Harry HAD to meet Cedric, he promised he would not be late! He ran down the winding passageways, up the many flights of stairs, and halted at the door of the seniors' bathroom. He knocked, then twice more, eager to hear a reply, anything, was Cedric here, was this some weird joke? Suddenly a familiar voice sounded

"Is that you Harry? Do come in…" Cedric's sweet voice whispered

Harry's hand made for the handle of the door, opening the door slowly and quietly, Harry entered to see the half naked Cedric standing to greet him

"Ah, Harry! You made it!"

"Said I would, didn't it? I never break a promise, Cedrick" Harry smiled happily

"Actually, you didn't say anything, I was half expecting you not to show at all - I thought you must have been angry with me…" Cedrick said, turning his head into his smooth chest.

Harry shook his head and walked towards Sedrick smiling, "So, what was it that you wanted to talk to me about, why did you want me here so urgently?" Harry asked cautiously.

"Well, it's just that, you see, I was just wondering if you were going to the ball…with anyone?" Cedric asked, with a false innocence.

"No, no-one yet… are you?" Harry asked with a hint of jealousy in his voice.

"No…no…no-one…no-one…" Sedrick said slowly and calmly, walking closer to Harry and replacing his robe. "Harry…I hope you don't mind, but…I've thought a lot…"
"About… about what?" Harry asked shakily

"You… Us… Me…" Sedrick replied "You Harry - I wanted to know if you felt the same way I do, if you have the same thoughts as me, if you see things the same way as me - Harry - will you go to the ball - with me?"
"Cedric?" Harry said blankly "How did you know….how did you guess….I mean… well… people would stare, and people would talk, and…and…"

"And what, Harry? Does it matter what those idiots think anyway?" Cedric said smiling but with a distinct aggressiveness in his voice

"Yes Cedric, yes, I will!" Harry said quietly, shaking, almost crying, and falling into Cedric's loving arms, the lovers entwined the kept together for around five minutes, before slowly letting go.

"I guess ill see you, on Monday" Cedric smiled

"Dragons wouldn't keep me away, Cedric!" Harry gleamed

Oh… about dragons…" Cedric said, trailing to almost a mumble

Before they knew it, Monday had arrived, and so had the ball.

Professor Dumbledoor stood "As tradition dictates, the champions and their partners shall dance first!" he applauded "As a twist this year - there will be two champions dancing together!"

The champions and their partners entered, swirling across the great hall, this was it, now it never, Harry took Cedric's hand, smiled, and Sedrick lead him into the hall, They felt like everyone was staring at them, like the whole world had gathered just to tease them, then suddenly, they realised no one cared, no one cared that they were different, that they were their own, they danced and partied for hours, until finally retiring to bed.

The morning of the final challenge drew near, the other challenges may have been difficult, but this challenge was surely going to be hardest and most unendurable.

The Tri-Wizard cup lay somewhere in an enchanted maze, the time they were allowed -had no limit. Harry and Cedric took their separate ways, dashing, jumping, searching and scouting, the cup was no-where to be found. They ran, meeting each other and their eyes locking on a single position, they ran for life and love, towards the glowing cup, Cedric tripped. The vines entangling his legs, arms, neck and body. Harry stared at him, before his eyes shifted to the cup, Harry raised his wand, with only a few words, Cedric was free, Harry dashed towards him, helping him to his feet, silently, and they ran for the cup

"You go Harry, you saved my life!"
"No Cedric. Together." Harry said powerfully "1...2…3!"

At three they both reached for the cup, and grasping a handle each they spun - The cup, were a port key. They emerged together, in a grave yard.

"I've been here before Cedric! I've been here before!" Harry said anxiously, glancing around and pulling Cedrics hand into his own "This is where...Vouldamort was...in my dream!" Harry glanced at Cedric, and gripped Cedrics hand tightly,

"Its ok, I promise" Cedric smiled and kissed Harry lightly

"Wormtail!" Harry's voice boomed as Wormtail emerged with something in his arms, rushing towards a massive cauldron in the next to a tombstone.

"Expeliarmus!" Cedric yelled, but it was too late, Vouldamort had already struck him with the killing curse. Harry feel to his knee's in tears

"You bastard! You killed him! You bastard!" Harry ran to Cedrics body, crying, and stroking Cedrics hair "Why? Why Him?" Harry cried

"Stand, boy!" Vouldamort demanded. "I trust you were taught how to duel, now stand and pick up your wand!" Harry remained on the ground, standing to his feet and picking up his wand, only when he decided vengeance was in order. He turned to Vouldamort but refused to bow. "Have it your way boy!"

"EXPELIARMUS!" Harry yelled, saving himself once again from the killing curse. Harry's parents encircled him, Cedric, and many others…

"We can hold it for only a second Harry, get back to the cup!" Cedric appeared in front them, "Take my body back to my father Harry, never forget - I will love you always" "We are proud of you, Harry" his parents said "Now go!"

Harry dashed for the cup, grasping the cup and Cedrics hand, he returned.

Dumbledoor was standing over him "Harry? Harry what happened!" Cedrics

Father ran behind Dumbledoor "My son! My boy!"

"I loved him!" Harry cried "Why? WHY!" he grabbed Cedric and refused to let go, crying into Cedrics chest, it was over, Hagred picked Harry up from the ground and took him to his cabin.

"I'm sorry 'Arry" Hagred said, his head turned down as if in shame

"You didn't do it Hagred, don't be sorry" he cried again "I know who done this, Ill get him for it! Just you see!" "I loved him, and I lost him" Harry said quietly "He is the third person HE has taken from me, and, I'll get him back for each thing… just watch… just watch."

END

Disclaimer,

I'm not the owner of any of these characters nor am I the original author of the Harry Potter series. All are © (Copyright) JK Rowling and Warner Brothers Entertainment.